Silent Night

"Silent night, Holy Night! All is calm, all is bright." A wonderful time of year, full of joy, laughter, families, abundant love, and a time where calm is present perpetually. Though amidst this calm the very purest sense of pressure is also swirling with an almighty grip on some, if that is so, go gently now. As the sun begins her journey to another year a new Dawn will come, nothing stays the same.

Meanwhile Christmas beckons, and I’d like to send my hugest heartfelt hugs and love to anyone who may be struggling with the heightened pressures and emotions that come but once a year, in the kitchen and anywhere in life. Christmas brings both beauty and poignancy in equal measure, annual celebrations mark the changing face of time and everything is magnified. Each aspect of our lives shapes into the kaleidoscope that is our reality, brighter and more brilliant than at any other time, and things not going to plan become illuminated like the first ray of light after a storm. 

The burning hues of sadness, tinge our hearts, and become unbearably painful for some. What makes it a special time of year? It's a time when we hope to be surrounded by those we love most dearly and this may not always be possible. Christmas transports us to vivid childhood memories and the bold colours of innocence may open wounds with spear like intensity.

This year my beloved Dad passed away and two friends. The bittersweet poignancy of Christmas carries a different note that is hard to comprehend, few things comfort, though love and music, family and friends, in no uncertain terms do. Also the treasured memories that are irreplaceable will forever live on and warm my heart.

It is difficult for us, who are left behind; though it is with pure faith and love that I trust we will all meet again one day in a peaceful and better place. For anyone who has experienced loss, they will understand the longing for the sound and comfort of the voices no-longer present, the laughter that now whistles in the wind, that catches us off guard in moments of beauty. I always share a special tip in my posts; this one is as simple as it is pure.

Special tip – Be thankful for those we love, now and forever, they will always be in our hearts.

This recipe is especially for anyone who may be missing someone right now. I’ll call it, The Recipe of Life. Please share it with anyone who needs some TLC at Christmas time.

With All my love,

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas,

Love,

Sinead xxx

The Recipe of life

Ingredients

Trust, an epic handful

Love, 1 gallon, though this has a never ending flow

Sympathy, use sparingly – we all need to feel

Patience, one level tbsp

Serenity, an endless pour

Truth, only the essence will do

Forgiveness, for ourselves and all

Light to balance the dark

Acceptance, as much as you can afford

Hope, enough to fill the deepest bowl

Faith, in total abundance

MIX an inspired amount of total trust with love.

POUR a few drops of sympathy taking care not to overpower the blend; flavours and feelings need space to breath.

HEAT gently over a low flame, this time of year can be very chilly.

SPRINKLE over some patience and plenty of serenity.

ADD truth and forgiveness with unending light.

FOLD in acceptance and hope, take care here, these don’t always come easily.

STIR everything slowly together and with a steady hand, breathe deeply.

TRUST that the right flavours will develop with enough understanding and thought.

SHARE abundantly and remember friendship is the present we give and receive everyday.

LIGHT a candle on top and thank God for all the loved ones in our lives and cherish the memories of those who are no longer with us, may they rest in peace.